Texas playwright returns to Goshen with new show 'Sisters Under the Skin'

In June 2012, Cornerstone Arts Alliance produced the play "Waiting for MacArthur." Written by P. Paullette MacDougal, "Waiting for MacArthur" chronicles the transformation of a nurse in Japan during World War II, contrasted by the evolution undertaken by members of her family in Wisconsin.

In June 2012, Cornerstone Arts Alliance produced the play "Waiting for MacArthur." Written by P. Paullette MacDougal, "Waiting for MacArthur" chronicles the transformation of a nurse in Japan during World War II, contrasted by the evolution undertaken by members of her family in Wisconsin.

The play was reviewed by the Times Herald-Record, with stirring performances by Heather Mormile, Sue Mormile, Bettina Skye and Evelyn Albino pointed out. And playwright MacDougal saw the review, was excited that Cornerstone put on the play, and struck up a friendship with Ken Tschan of Cornerstone. That led to MacDougal offering her new play, "Sisters Under the Skin," to Cornerstone for its 2013 season.

So this weekend, "Sisters Under the Skin" opens at the Goshen Music Hall.

The play involves an educated slave who works for Jefferson Davis' family in the Confederate White House during the Civil War. She feigns ignorance while overhearing Confederate strategy, taking the information to her owner. Both women, showing great disdain for enslavement culture, use their skills to help President Lincoln, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Union overcome the Confederate challenge.

"Sisters Under the Skin," which was finished in time for the 150-year anniversary of the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation, premiered in MacDougal's hometown of Austin, Texas. That's where MacDougal served as artistic director of Paradox Players, a troupe she co-founded.

"Sisters Under the Skin," making its New York premiere this weekend in Goshen, is the final production of the Cornerstone season. And Albino and Skye — who performed in "Waiting for MacArthur" — return in the cast of "Sisters Under the Skin." Joining them will be Jackie Dion and Benedict Hudson. Tschan directs, and MacDougal is scheduled to show up for a Q&A after the matinee Sunday.